1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 2011 Dacia Duster
To start off, 2011 Dacia Duster is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (5 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Dacia Duster (108 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (87 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Dacia Duster should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 430 kg more than 2011 Dacia Duster.
Because 2011 Dacia Duster is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Dacia Duster will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2011 Dacia Duster (177 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (172 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2011 Dacia Duster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 2011 Dacia Duster | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Dacia |
| Model | 300 | Duster |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 1461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 4315 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1822 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3430 mm | 2673 mm |
